Robert Chase Townsend (July 30, 1920 – January 12, 1998) was an American business executive and author who is noted for transforming Avis into a rental car giant, and writing Up the Organization on business management, which spent 28 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list upon its publication in 1970.

After graduating from college, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy, serving for the remainder of World War II.

In 1962, Lazard Frères bought Avis, a struggling auto rental company that had never made a profit in its existence.

Under his direction as president and chairman, the firm became a credible force in the industry, fueled by the "We Try Harder" advertising campaign (1962–65).

He wrote the widely acclaimed essay on business management, Up the Organization, which spent 28 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list upon its publication in 1970.